Massive Forward on Climate Rally in Washington, DC

Over 40,000 people gathered by the National Monument in the early afternoon on Sunday, Febraury 17th, then proceeded to march around the White House to demand that President Obama make a more concerted effort to confront climate change, reject the Keystone XL pipeline, and promote clean energy. Speakers at the event included Bill McKibben, head of 350.0rg, Sierra Club head Mike Brune, clean energy investor Tom Steyer, as well as indigenous leaders and civil rights activists.

Billed as "the largest climate rally in history," Forward on Climate was organized by coalition of environmental groups led by 350.org, the Sierra Club, the Hip Hop Caucus. It comes nearly one year after President Obama denied the first permit application for Transcanada's Keystone XL Pipeline.

Reaching out to its members about the event, 350.org announced that that over the past year "Mother Nature has filed her public comments: the hottest year in American history, a horrible ongoing drought, and superstorm Sandy." In response, these organizations have planned "the biggest demonstration yet" to demand that President Obama show resolve and leadership in solving the climate crisis, urging activists to tell the President to once again reject the Keystone XL Pipeline, reduce America's dependence on fossil fuels, and put in place real incentives for energy efficiency and clean, renewable energy sources.